MHS Abilene: Learn and Grow Depot Promoting Healthy Eating and Activity

MHS Abilene: Learn and Grow Depot Promoting Healthy Eating and Activity

Shown (left to right) are: Marie Malo, Learn & Grow Depot Director; Mary Cairns, Lead Toddler 2 Teacher; Brandy Staggs, Lead Toddler 1 Teacher; Debb Homman, Infant/Toddler Specialist with Child Care Aware of Kansas. The group is pictured with an informational board showing some of the healthy practices the center is incorporating.

Learn and Grow Depot in Abilene continues to promote healthy eating and exercise to the children enrolled in the child development center. The goal is to make healthier eating and more physical activity a normal part of life

The childcare center incorporates learning new self-help skills, drinking enough water, and getting exercise into the daily routine. A recent initiative Learn and Grow Depot has added is a ‘Step It Up Challenge’ through Child Care Aware of Kansas.

The challenge involves staff attending four learning sessions during the project year to learn additional ways to emphasize healthy eating and physical activity. Debb Homman, Infant/Toddler Specialist with Child Care Aware of Kansas, makes monthly technical assistance support visits to the center. If all requirements are met by the end of the project year, Learn and Grow Depot will receive a ‘Step It Up Challenge’ grant to further support the initiative.